The Flood Narrative and Its Purpose

The first 11 chapters of genesis, although properly speaking, not conforming to the torical method used by the best greek and latin writers. They do nevertheless pertain to history in a true sense, which, however, must be further studied and determined by exigetes. But their purpose is to state truths connected to our salvation. This becomes clearer when you study the background of other flood stories in ancient near eastern literature. And while these early chapters may be based on historical events, we aren't meant to take some of the details overly literally.